Although a work of fiction, the storyline is based on one of the ancestors of the author. The storyline is about William Thornhill, a Londoner who worked on the Thames. He marries his childhood sweetheart and following being caught and tried for theft, is destined to be hung. The sentence is later commuted to transportation to New South Wales, where he and Sal, endure a life of hardship, but remain loving, strong and determined throughout.

A fascinating read for anyone who loves this period of London or Australian history, or perhaps like me has a convict ancestor.

I think that I will open this up as a book ray. Here are the Journal Entries